The residents of Woodford are right to be concerned regarding the future of the BAE site following its announced closure in 2012.

The recent meeting organised by the Council was extremely well attended by residents wishing to voice their ideas on the future use of the site. My colleague, Conservative Councillor Bryan Leck, who has represented and lived in Woodford for many years, spoke about the real need for us all to look to the future whilst celebrating the past. The future of the site must be a community decision not one made behind closed doors.

At question time Ben Jeffreys, Cheadle’s Conservative Parliamentary candidate, asked BAE and the Council why Paul Bellis, Bryan Leck and I, the elected Conservative Councillors, alongside the Chairman of Woodford Community Council were not invited to a meeting arranged by BAE despite requests to attend. This apparent secrecy fuels the fire of discontent and discourages real and honest debate.

All of our attention must be on the future of the site, the help and support we can give to the highly skilled workforce and local businesses that will be affected by the closure.

The fact is the site is not owned by the Council and BAE could sell it to whoever they choose but they are willing to consult with residents to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for Woodford and its residents.

To this end the public consultation is now open and I would encourage all Woodford residents to write to the Council indicating their ideas and preferred options. These should be sent to planning.policy@stockport.gov.uk and should arrive no later than the 25^th November 2009. Ben also suggested that one last great air show be held to celebrate the enormous success and contribution the site and its workers have made to community life. I really hope this idea is taken forward and successfully implemented.

Cllr Brian Bagnall
Bramhall South

This article, by Cllr Brian Bagnall, was first published by the Stockport Express 28.10.09.